'Stop punishing women for crimes committed against them': Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has backed protests demanding greater safety for women, urging young women and members of Gen Z across India to participate in larger numbers.

In a post on X, Gandhi criticised what he described as a system that places restrictions on women instead of addressing crimes committed against them.

He said women should not be expected to remain indoors because of the threat of harassment, sexual violence or other crimes.

'Stop punishing women for the crimes committed against them,' Gandhi said, arguing that the responsibility for ensuring women’s safety lies with the government and society rather than with women themselves. 

Rahul Gandhi targets ‘patriarchy’ over women’s safety

Gandhi described the tendency to restrict women’s movement as part of what he called 'patriarchy', alleging that such an approach shifts the burden onto victims while failing to adequately confront perpetrators.

'The solution is not to lock women inside,' he said, calling instead for safer public spaces and stronger action against those accused of attacking or mistreating women.

The Congress leader also called for a change in attitudes towards crimes against women.

He said the mindset that enables harassment and violence needs to be confronted, while those responsible for such offences should face swift punishment.

His remarks come amid protests by students and young people demanding greater safety for women.

Gandhi said thousands had already taken to the streets and appealed to more young people to join the demonstrations.

‘Government will only listen under pressure’, says Gandhi

Gandhi particularly urged young women and Gen Z across the country to participate in larger numbers, saying stronger public pressure was needed to make the government respond to concerns over women’s safety.

'I urge even more young women, especially Gen Z across India, to come out in stronger numbers,' he said.

He also accused the government of being unresponsive to the concerns being raised by protesters. According to Gandhi, sustained public pressure would be necessary to force the authorities to address the issue.

Gandhi framed peaceful demonstrations as an important democratic right and expressed his support for those taking part in them.

'Peaceful protest is your democratic right, and I stand with you wholeheartedly,' he said.

The post places women’s safety, public security and accountability for crimes against women at the centre of Gandhi’s latest political intervention.

His comments also seek to shift the focus from restrictions on women’s behaviour and movement towards the responsibility of authorities and perpetrators to ensure safer public spaces.